Ojai Unified superintendent to leave district, take job in Texas

Andy Cantwell, the superintendent in Ojai Unified, will leave the district to take a position leading a private school in Texas.(Photo: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OJAI UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT)

After about a year and a half on the job, Ojai Unified Superintendent Andy Cantwell is leaving the district.

In a letter that went out to staff Wednesday evening, Cantwell said he's accepted a position as head of school at Grace Academy, a private Christian school just outside of Austin, Texas.

"It is with my sincerest gratitude I wish to thank the Ojai Unified School Board for entrusting me with the superintendency," Cantwell wrote. "I have cherished my experience since joining the district nearly four years ago, and it is with tremendous pride I consider all the district has accomplished for the youth of the Ojai Valley during this time."

Cantwell joined the Ojai Unified School District in 2015. He previously worked as a financial services manager and director of classified human resources for the Santa Barbara County Education Office. He also worked for three years in the Moorpark Unified School District.

"Ojai is truly a special community," Cantwell wrote. "I am continually amazed by the level of dedication shown by parents and community members in serving our students through parent-teacher organizations, booster clubs, service organizations, and groups like the Ojai Education Foundation, Food for Thought, Inspire and more. Being 'OjaiStrong' existed long before December 2017 and it continues to this day."

Cantwell led the district when the Thomas Fire tore through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties closing down schools for weeks in the Ojai area in December 2017.

Cantwell's last day as superintendent will be July 8. He said he regrets that he won't have the chance to see the completion of a number of major district initiatives — like bringing sixth grade to Matilija Middle School and major bond measure construction projects.

"I have the utmost confidence in the leadership of this district," Cantwell wrote. "Beyond just the leadership, Ojai Unified is full of creative, selfless, caring staff who work tirelessly every day to realize our mission statement of develop(ing) in all students the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to think critically, to make decisions, to live a healthy lifestyle, and to successfully pursue further study and employment in order to become responsible citizens."

Cantwell told The Star he and his wife Heather look forward to this new adventure, and look forward to a new addition to the family soon as his wife is expecting their third child.

"My wife and I made the decision together," Cantwell said. "We feel it's what's best for our young family."

Cantwell noted that his oldest child, a 5-year-old boy, will be starting school next year and Cantwell will be able to hand him his diploma in 13 years.

"It's strictly a personal decision about our family and in no way a statement of lack of confidence in the Ojai Unified School District," Cantwell said. "I have nothing but warm affection for Ojai and have seen example after example of the tireless efforts put in by our staff and that work will continue long after I've gone."

Cantwell said it was too early to speculate as to what course of action the school board may take in selecting a replacement.